Tadoba Andhari Tiger Project, Chandrapur, Maharashtra

Tadoba Andhari Tiger project is one of the Maharashtra’s largest and oldest Tiger sanctuaries located in the district of Chandrapur in the north-eastern part of Maharashtra. Arguably one of the most thrilled and protected areas for Tiger in India, Tadoba-Andhari tiger reserve Spreading over with an area of 625.40 sq.km which encompasses Tadoba National Park (=116.55 sq.kms) and Andhari wildlife sanctuary (=505.85sq kms.) that was created in the year 1986, is bustling with innumerable species of plants and animals including tiger, Leopard, sloth bear, hyeana, jackal and wild dog. The name ‘Tadoba’ named after deity ‘Taru’ worshiped by local tribal people living in the region and the name Andhari has been adopted from Andhari River that meanders through the forest. Often has been cited as ‘Jewel of Vidharba’ the region was declared a project Tiger Reserve in the year 1995 when Tadoba National Park and the sanctuary were merged.

Tadoba National park is enriched with enormous species of Flora and southern topical dry deciduous which is covering almost 87 percent of the protected area. Teak and bamboo are the predominant species found in the jungle along with other deciduous trees including Haldu, Tendu, Bija, Dhauda, Salai, Semal, Mahua and Iyndia are also visible with large quantities. Anogeissus latifolia, a rare fire resistant plant is also growing in the forest. Besides the plains the tropical forest has covered the hillsides and grass lands are barely visible.

One of the finest and protected areas for Tiger habitats Tadoba is home to many other Mammals, Reptiles and insects. Apart from 65 of the keystone species Bengal Tiger Tadoba Tiger Reserve is bursting with carnivores like Indian Leopard, stripped hyena , small Indian civet etc. Among the central Indian deer Samber, spotted deer, barking deer, chinkara and four horned deer are most visible especially spotted deer are found in wild abundance.

Tadoba is rich in bird life and flourishing with wide diversity of water birds and raptors. As much as 195 species have been recorded including three endangered species. Amongst the most notable species are the Malabar pied, Hornbills, Indian pitta, Indian scimitar Babblers, Tickell’s blue Flycatcher, painted Francolins, Asian paradise Flycatcher, peacock, Shama, Golden oriole, Black Naped blue Flycatcher, plum headed parakeet, Red spurflow, white eyed Buzzard, Shikara, Brown Fish owl, Mottled wood owl, warblers, cuckoos and many more. The grey headed fish eagle, the crested serpent eagle and the changeable hawk-eagle are the most notable species of raptors found in the forest.

Among reptiles Terrapins, Indian star tortoise, Marsh crocodiles (which were once common all over the Maharashtra survive in the Tadoba Lake), Indian cobra and Russell’s cobra are the major species found in Tadoba. Some extinct Indian python and the common Indian monitor also have been found here.

More than seventy species have been recorded in Tadoba which include the pansies, monarch, Mormons and swordtails. Some endangered insect species like danaid egg-fly and great eggly. Dragonflies, stick insects,jewels beetles and praying mantis are also found in complex ecosystem of Tadoba. Apart from various insects signature spider, giant wood spider and some hunting spiders like the wolf spiders, crab spiders and lynx spiders are also visible during the monsoon time.

Tourists can visit the Park anytime during day hours except in the morning. The park is closed every Tuesday. During the monsoon time the park remains partially opened due to maintenance and preservation work inside the park. Open jeep safaries are the only means to visit the park.

The Tadoba National Park is well connected and can be accessed by both roads and rails. The park has only two main entrances namely Kolapur and Mohari Gate through which tourists can get to the location.

The Park is just 45 km away from its nearest station Chandrapur Railway Station and from there visitors can pick available public transports including Buses, Taxis and Auto rickshaw etc.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International airport is also located near the place and tourists can easily get the location from the airport as there are available roots bypassed the Park.